Ion Caltech Today
Watch Video
Construction and Parking
A map of campus construction impacts and the Ginsburg Center site. (Updated March 28, 2025)
Construction Impacts
- Ginsburg Center: Expect mild noise, vibration, and dust near the Ginsburg Center site. In the coming month, contractors will be installing utilities for the future building, placing its concrete foundation, and reinforcing the exterior of Downs-Lauritsen in preparation for the installation of a tunnel connection to the Ginsburg Center. Contact gcqpm@caltech.edu for more information.
- Olive Walk and Turtle Pond: Expect minimal vibration, moderate noise, and some dust from excavation and trenching near Gates-Thomas and Throop Memorial Garden to install electrical conduits through late May, 2025.
- Karman Lab: Expect vibration, dust, and noise for chilled water line repairs west of Karman Lab through late April, 2025.
Community Member Milestones
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Ken Hargreaves
After 17 years at Caltech, Ken is retiring from his role as associate vice president for civic engagement and external affairs. Ken joined Caltech as part of Facilities, overseeing capital construction and campus master planning. He later transitioned to the Strategy Implementation Group, where he has fostered Caltech's relationships with federal officials in Washington, D.C., the California state legislature and agencies, and the City of Pasadena.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Margaret McVey Thomas
Margaret is retiring after 19 years as the director of hotel operations and membership at the Athenaeum. Margaret has overseen more than $3 million in renovation projects at the Athenaeum, always looking for ways to keep the 95-year-old building in good repair. She has enjoyed a 40-year career in the hotel business, but says she especially loved her time at Caltech.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Jess Ayers
Jess joins Caltech as an administrative assistant in the Caltech Library's Business and Operations team. In this role, they will assist with purchasing supplies and books for the libraries, financial processing and reports, event organization, and more. Jess has previously worked as a receptionist and administrator in corporate environments, in high-end catering and fine dining, and in various roles in the entertainment industry.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Jay Labinger
After 39 years at Caltech, Jay will retire on March 31. Jay joined Caltech in 1986 as faculty associate in chemistry and the founding administrator of the Beckman Institute (BI). In addition to administration, teaching, and research in chemistry, Jay has guided the BI through decades of growth to shape the trajectory of interdisciplinary studies in chemistry and biology. The BI team thanks Jay for his foundational leadership and immeasurable contributions over decades of service.
- Marking a new chapter:
Betsy Mitchell
After 14 years as Caltech’s director of athletics, physical education, and recreation, Betsy Mitchell will be stepping down from her role at Caltech in spring. During her tenure, Betsy transformed the athletics program and established a strong sense of school pride across campus.
- Celebrating a promotion:
Becky McKinney
Becky, formerly a member of the library circulation support staff, has been promoted to library support and e-resources access associate. While continuing to contribute to library circulation, she will also manage digital collections, maintain reliable access, troubleshoot technical issues, and support research and learning across Caltech.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Hiro Yamamoto
Hiro, a senior staff scientist with the LIGO Laboratory, is retiring this spring. He has made significant contributions to LIGO's success over the years, particularly in understanding the subtle effects of mirror distortion in complex optical resonators. "The entire LIGO Laboratory will miss Hiro's good humor and vital wisdom as we venture into our next phase of exciting science and engineering," says professor of physics Rana Adhikari.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Romina-Marie Baronia
Romina has been appointed programming and operations coordinator at the Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity. A 2022 creative writing graduate from the University of Redlands, she previously served with AmeriCorps VISTA, focusing on STEM education equity. She looks forward to advancing inclusivity at Caltech.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Venus Jones
Venus joins Caltech as the new business manager in Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE). Most recently, she served as the Center Administrator for the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, and she has also worked at USC and UCLA. She has expertise in managing national programs, handling grants and contracts, navigating university policies and procedures, and overseeing human resources management.
- Welcome to Caltech:
James Knutila
James joined Caltech as the new director of alumni communications and marketing programs in Advancement and Alumni Relations. James was formerly the director of content marketing and communications at ASU Learning Enterprise in Los Angeles.
Resources
The Institute is committed to making its electronic content accessible to all community members with and without disabilities. Learn more about creating and maintaining accessible digital content at Caltech.
View the latest dining menus for Browne Dining Hall, Red Door Marketplace, Broad Cafe, and Avery Kitchen.
View the full summary of 2025 benefits for Caltech employees, including health, retirement, childcare assistance, tuition reimbursement, and more.
Media Mentions
